At the time, Michigan coach Brady Hoke was optimistic the junior linebacker might be able to return to the field at some point in October.

On Friday during the Sound Mind, Sound Body football camp in Southfield, Hoke sounded much more confident that his best defensive player will be able to contribute to the Wolverines this fall.

"I just think with how his rehab has gone, and I'm not a doctor and I'm making statements I probably don't know enough about, but he's done a great job," Hoke said. "His worth ethic in his rehab has all been real positive. I haven't had a chance to watch him do anything, but I think he's still ahead of schedule.

"I think in October he'll be (ready)."

After racking up a team-best 88 tackles (16 for a loss, with 4 1/2 sacks and four forced fumbles) in 2012, the All-Big Ten second-team linebacker tore his ACL during Michigan's first padded practice of the spring.

Originally, Ryan was believed to be out for the season. But as time has gone on, his rehab has made most inside Schembechler Hall optimistic for his return.

"Jake's a funny guy -- I'm sure y'all know -- but he really has committed to his rehab, which is going really well right now," senior receiver Drew Dileo said during the spring. "He cut his hair, so he got that distraction out of the way. And he's ready to work.

"Jake's a guy who loves playing the game of football. He really knows as much rehab he gets, will only help him get back on the field."

If Ryan can make his way back to the field in October, it'd serve as a huge boost for the Michigan defense -- especially considering the back end of the Wolverines' Big Ten schedule is rather loaded.

Michigan opens October with Minnesota before traveling to Penn State on Oct. 12 and returning home to play Indiana on Oct. 19.

From there, things get intense. Michigan visits Michigan State after a bye on Nov. 2 before hosting Nebraska on Nov. 9. After traveling to Northwestern and Iowa, the Wolverines conclude the regular season against Ohio State on Nov. 30.